Transformations

52 lbs Down – with Type 1 Diabetes

I have Type-1 diabetes, and breaking out of routines can be really scary because you never know how your blood sugar will be affected by working out.

Prior to coming here, my weight was at an all-time high, my cardiovascular fitness was weak, and my muscle strength kittenish at best.

I had tested pretty badly on my last HBA1C (a diabetes test), on top of going through a breakup with my boyfriend of almost 8 years.

I had an overwhelming fire in me to be stronger, inside and out.

This was not possible when Brandy first started. She had difficulty/pain trying to pick up a 36# kettlebell. While I’m short and light, I am much heavier than a kettlebell! Also, her Sumo Deadlift PR is now 155 lbs! I am so proud of your achievements Brandy!

– Roche

My workouts were pretty weak, usually consisting of elliptical training and a mediocre weight routine two or three times a week, supplemented by lazy bike rides and walking.

After the first day of training, I could hardly move. Someone at work had to tie my shoes for me because I hurt. I felt pretty cowed by my own limitations, and frustrated that all the years of complacency had created this weak, overweight body.

Despite that, I felt activated and alive for the first time in the longest time. My muscles, including my heart, started to systematically awaken and get stronger.

It was exciting to experience the changes and improvements that came with training, like being able to ride my bike that much farther and harder with less effort, sleep restfully, and wake up motivated.

I work with Rochelle, who has a knack for being warm and uncompromising at the same time — she pushes me hard, but thoughtfully and methodically.

I am building a good foundation of cardiovascular fitness and strength under her training. She does a great job of adjusting or trying something new when “the plan” isn’t working.

I use a Dexcom Continuous Glucose Monitoring system to track my blood sugar while I work out, and both Rochelle and I are always aware of where I am at when training hard. We adjust as needed, so if I start to suddenly drop, Rochelle’s got me drinking coconut water and protein.

The biggest challenge has been myself — I get disappointed and frustrated in my abilities when I can’t accomplish something, or fail to meet a PR, or just general don’t see results. In regular life, I’m an executive at Nike and have always been a productive perfectionist.

Working with Rochelle and vocalizing these feelings actually help out a lot — she’ll adjust my workout or provide nutritional feedback and suggestions when needed.

Rochelle sees an athlete in me that I never saw before, and her encouragement and honesty are huge motivating factors for me.

So far, I’ve lost 25 pounds, dropped between 6% to 8% body fat (depending on water level), and was recently told that I have the legs of a racehorse. My blood sugar is rock steady. I hiked a strenuous trail over the weekend that last year took me 5 hours to complete — this time it only took me 2.5 hours.